Page:An account of the natives of the Tonga Islands.djvu/356

290 290 TRANSACTIONS AT On this rock in former times, as popular tradi- tion records, a band of young chiefs, the heads of a conspiracy, took refuge from the rage of their adversaries, and held the place during six months*; it being quite inaccessible, except by one narrow path, exceedingly steep and dangerous, not wide enough to allow two per- sons to pass up abreast. This passage was, of course, perfectly under the command of those above, who, by rolling large stones down, could, at any time, hurl destruction upon whomsoever might rashly attempt to ascend. Here they remained in security, as long as their stock of provisions lasted, and even when this was expended, they refused to yield, till famine and raging thirst had destroyed all but three, who, being tempted by a promise of par- don, gave themselves up to their adversaries. Scarcely was this done when they were taken before the king, who cruelly ordered them to be massacred in his presence. The number of those who died upon the rock were five, and they were buried on the spot : three of the graves are still very apparent ; the other two are pointed out, but they are not in so distinct a state. The natives, now and then, ascend this rock, to enjoy the sublime beauty of the which they lived during the whole time.
 * They had supplied the place beforehand with ma, on